Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Two MS/PhD positons available in computational material science

Two MS/PhD positions are available with research assistanship under the supervision of Dr Rashid Ahmed in the area of computational material science, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai. Both positions will be funded from two different research projects.

Computational Material Science is rapidly emerging area of research in present era. Earlier progress in material science was accomplished through extensive laboratory work and profound presumptions. Now this trend is swiftly shifting to use numerical modeling on a large scale, from bulk to nano and metal to bio materials, to simulate their electronic structure and corresponding physical properties at atomistic level being a cost effective and time saving approach.

One of the project is about "First principle study of special class alloys with SQS Approach". In this project candidate have to investigate some fundamental nature physical properties of a special class of alloys, having applications in high performance electronic and opto-electronic devices and systems.

Other project is related to "Theoretical modelling of physical properties of hydrides".

Awareness in green and renewable energy resources is emerging day by day due to rapidly exhaust of fossil fuelsand their adverse effects on the environment. Although hydrogen as a promising candidate of future fuel of vehicles and portable devices has attracted attention of the scientific community on a large scale, to store and transport is so far unresolved challenge. In this project, candidate have to investigate physical properties of different hydrides materials using tools of simulation and modelling.

Methodology: In recent days ab initio methods are exensively in use to predict new materials and their properties owing to the fact they do not require prior experimental knowledge. Our both research projects will be realized using ab initio methods. Quantum mechanical description of electronic structure of solids provide insight view of their properties. One of the most commonly used quantum mechanical ab initio method to calculate electronic structure of solids is density functional theory (DFT). Candidate have to apply plane wave methods framed within DFT.

Eligibility:

- Candidate can at least having CGPA >= 3.0 in last degree are eligible. also candidate must have basic knowledge of solid state physics and computer.

- Candidate must secure admission in MS/PhD in UTM, Skudai, Johor.

- Although Malaysian on international students both are encouraged and welcomed to apply for MS/PhD degree, regarding funding Malaysian students will be prefered.

-Candidates having knowledge of Linux operating system/Fortran language and background in ab initio electronic structure calculations will be more advantageous.

- Initial funding will be for one year @ RM1000-RM1500 per month which may be extended for next years.

Important dates: Application will be entertained until positions are filled.

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